Package and method of packaging



July 28, 1942. c. J. MALHIOT- PACKAGE AND METHOD OF PACKAGING Filed Oct. '7, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. Clarence J MaLhiot BY; 2 y

ATTORNEYS.

July 28, 1942. c, MALHIOT PACKAGE AND METHOD OF PACKAGING Filed 00L 7, 1939 3 She ets-Sheet 2 Ell -1L5 INVENTOR. Clarence .J. Mathis-t BY. @z%ow A TTORNEYS.

y 1942-v c. .1. MALHIOT I PACKAGE AND METHOD OF PACKAGING Filed Oct. 7, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. Clarence J. Malhlof @aifzww A TTORNEYS.

Patented July 28, 1942 PACKAGE AND METHOD OF PACKAGING Clarence J. Malhiot, Oak Park, 111., assignor to g F. B. Redington Co, Chicago, 111., a corporation 7 of Illinois Application October 7, 1939, Serial No. 298,457

. 6 Claims. (01. 229-51) The present invention relates to packages, particularly of the multiple wrapper type, and to methods of. packaging.

It is a primary object of the invention to pro vide a package of the multiple wrapper type having opening means incorporated therein readily operable to sever or open all of the multiple wrappers whereby to expose or render accessible the wrapped article.

It is a further object of the invention to provide an opening structure for a multiple wrapper package which includes an opening element operable to sever or open a plurality of complete wrappers, and to completely sever or open the same by a single rotary manipulation.

Further objects of the invention are to provide an opening structure for packages of the foregoing type which will in no way impair the tight seal for the article provided by the multiple wrappers, and which will be operable to effect the opening operation regardless of the relative position of the overlapped edges of the wrappers, whetherthe sets of overlapped edges are on the same or different faces of the package, and whether they are in displaced or superposed relation.

Other objects of the invention are to provide improved methods for securing or anchoring the opening element to the wrappers, improved means for arranging the operable end of the opening element with respect to the adjacent wrapper portions, and improved means for insuring the initial tearing or rupture of 'the wrappers as the opening element is manipulated.

A still further object of the invention is to provide for the production of a package of the foregoing multiple wrapper type, and including an opening means of the type set forth, wherein the wrappers may be applied to the article to effect the wrapping thereof in sequence or simultaneously.

Various other objects, advantages and features of the invention will appear from the following specification when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein certain preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth for purposes of illustration.

Figs. 2, 3 and e illustrate successive steps in the wrapping of the inner wrapper about the article. I

Fig. 5 shows the completed inner wrapper.

Figs. 6, 7 and 8 illustrate successive steps in the placement of the outer wrapper.

Fig. 9 illustrates the completed double wrapped package.

Figs. 10 and 11 are perspective and sectional views, respectively, of a modified form of con struction wherein the operable end of the opening element is flush with the edge of the outer wrapper. 4

Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate successive steps. in the making of a package of modified form, wherein the overlapped edges of the two wrappers lie in superposed relation upon the same package face.

Fig. 14 is a partial sectional view of the package of Fig. 13, more particularly illustrating the positions of the superposed overlapped wrapper edges.

Fig. 15 is a similar sectional view of a slightly modified form of construction.

Figs. 16, 17, 18 and 19 show successive method I steps in the production of a package by the simultaneous application of the inner and outer wrappers, and

Fig. 20 illustrates the initial method step in the simultaneous application of inner and outer wrappers, but to produce a package of modified construction.

Referring more particularly to the drawings,

' and first to the embodiment illustrated in Figs.

1 to 9,.in Fig. 1 there is shown an opening ele-' ment H1 in its position of initial placement upon a wrapper H which is to form the inner wrapper member of the completed package. The wrapper ll may be of any suitable wrapping material,

such as paper or the like, but in the particular embodiment illustrated it is preferably of. cellulosic material such as Cellophane whereby to impart maximum moisture proof protection to the wrapped article. Similarly the opening element l0 may be of any suitable material, and

may be either in the form of a tape or a string, but preferably in theparticular embodiment illustrated the opening element is also of Cellophane, and preferably also of contrasting color to the wrapper so as to render it readily discernible. Y

The opening element is adhesively secured to the inner face of the wrapper, and preferably the element is adhesively secured to the wrapper along the entire length of contact between the parts. Any suitable adhesive may be employed, one suitable adhesive being in the form of a Cellophane solvent which slightly attacks the surface of the Cellophane and produces a satisfactory sealing bond between the parts. The inner end l3 of the opening element, as shown,

terminates flush with the edge ll of the wrapper,

whereas the o'uter'end l5 of the element extends a predetermined distance beyond the opposite wrapper edge I 6. The wrapper H is provided with short slits l1 and I8 arranged on either side of the opening element. These, slits facilitate the initial tearing of the wrapper in a manner which will be more particularly hereinafter are adhesively secured along their entire contactset forth.

In fabricating the package, the edge ll of the wrapper is first folded over the article I! which may for example be a pack or package of cigarettes or like article, in a manner best illustrated in Fig. 2. The article may directly engage the inner face of the wrapper and the opening element ll superimposed thereon. The opposite end edge of the wrapper is then folded over onto the upper face of the package as illustrated in Fig. 3, the projecting portion or extension ii of the opening element projecting beyond the associated package edge 20. The folding of the wrapper in the manner described provides a pair of overlapped wrapper edges 'on the upper face of the package, with the opening element extending therebetween. The engaging faces of the overlapped wrapperedges are adhesively secured along their entire length of contact whereby to form a moisture proof bond along the wrapper seam. Preferably the opening element is also adhesively secured to the upper wrapper face 2 I along its length of contact therewith to insure the production of a moisture proof seal along the entire length of the overlapped wrapper edges. In other words the faces of the opening element or tape are adhesively secured to the adjacent wrapper faces at the juncture of the overlapped wrapper edges insuring the production of a moisture proof seal. I

The end folds in the wrapper areproduced in suitable manner, as illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. The side sections 33 and 23 of the wrapper ends are first folded against the end face of the article, and the top and bottom sections 24 and 25, respectively, are then folded into position against the end of the package as illustrated in Fig.5. The engaging faces of,the ..end folds'are ali adhesively secured together whereby to provide a moisture proof end seal for the package, and also to hold the end folds in place. The wrapper portions at both ends of the package may be similarly folded, the inner wrapper in its completed form being illustrated in Fig. 5.

After the completion of the inner wrapper, and the folding thereof around the article, an outer wrapper is applied to the package as illustrated in Fig. 6. The outer wrapper may be of any suitable wrapping material, but in the particular embodiment illustrated it is preferably of Cellophane, of a character similar to the inner wrapper. The outer wrapper is provided with a pair of slits 3| and 32 in the and edge 33 thereof, the slits being so positioned that they will lie on opposite sides of the opening element when the wrapper is folded into position around the package. e

In folding the outer wrapper onto the package the edges 33 and 34 of the wrapper are first folded 'onto the upper and lower faces of the 5 the side face of the package. As previously stat- 10 wardly, the end I! of the opening element is folded downwardly into'engagement with the side face of the package. The end is of sufficient length, however, that it extends beyond the package edge 35. The overlapped wrapper edges ing length, and the faces of the opening tape are also adhesively secured on either side to the contacting wrapper faces at the point of overlap whereby to provide and insure a moisture proof seal extending continuously along the entire side seam of the-outer wrapper. The outer wrapper end folds 36,31, 33 and 33 are then formed, as indicated in Fig. 9 and as previously described in connection with the end folding ofthe inner wrapper. The end folds are adhesively secured together along their faces of contact whereby to provide a second moisture proof end seal for the package. The end folds at both ends of the package may be similarly formed.

In operation, as the' projecting end I5 of the opening element is grasped and unwound from the package, in a counter-clockwise direction as seen in Fig. 9, both wrappers will be opened or torn. If the unwinding movement of the'opening element is continued for substantially one complete movement, both wrapper ends will be completely torn oil. or removed. The slits 3| and 32 facilitate the initial tearing of the outer wrapper as the opening element is pulled whereas the 40 slits l1 and I3 facilitate the initial tearing of the inner wrapper. The positioning of the slits, together with the arranging of the opening element in embracing relation about the package, insures the production of a clean circumferentlal tear in both wrappers as the opening element is manipulated. The adhesive securing of the opening element, particularly to the inner face of the inner wrapper insures that the opening element will' not be dislodged or merely slipped outwardly from the folds of the wrapper as it is pulled. Being anchored to the inner wrapper "along its entire length, the pulling force exerted on the opening element results in the insured tearing of the wrapper.

5 It will be seen that the invention provides readily opened or severed by the manipulation of Y a single openingtape, the wrappers being completely torn from the package by a single revolution opening movement of the tape. The opening element in no way interferes with the moistinuity of the sealed seam. The end I! of the opening element extends beyond the edge of the package, thus facilitating the ready gripping of the opening element to effect the wrapper removing operation.

packagein a manner illustrated in Fig. "l. The'75 ,In Figs, I0 and 11 an embodiment of the invention is illustrated which is similar to that previously described, except that the end of the opening element does not extend beyond the edge of the package. Also the overlapped outer edge of the outer wrapper in this instance lies substantially coincident with the edge of the package. More specifically, the extreme end of the opening element as indicated at 45 in this instance terminates at the edge 33 of the overlapped outer wrapper section. The edge of the wrapper is also, as illustrated, substantially coincident with the package edge. In certain instances, for example to facilitate packing or to avoid the inadvertent catching of the end of the opening element resulting in the inadvertent tearing of the wrapper, it may be desirable to terminate the end of the opening element substantially at the edge of the outer wrapper as illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11.- Due to the presence of the slits 3| and 32 in the wrapper edge a tab portion 41 is in effect formed in the wrapper itself between the slits, facilitating the initial gripping of the opening tape. Accordingly the end of the opening tape can be readily gripped even though the tape end does not extend beyond the edge of the wrapper. The slits 3| and 32 thus provide means for permitting the use of a non-projecting opening element,'while at the same time maintaining the ready gripping and operability of the opening structure.

In Figs. 12, 13 and 14 an embodiment of the invention is illustrated which is also generally similar to that first described, except that the overlapped edges of the inner and outer wrappers in this instance lie uponthe same face of the package, and are insuperposed relation. In most instances it is preferred to form the package as shown in Figs. 1 to 9 inclusive, wherein the overlapped edges of the inner wrapper and the tion as set forth in Figs. 12, 13 and 14 provides.

for the incorporation of a readily operable opening structure for a double wrapper package wherein the overlapped edges of the two wrappers are in superposed relation upon the same package face.

In fabricating this form of package, after the arrangement and folding of the inner wrapper as previously described, the outer wrapper is applied to the package in the manner illustrated in Fig. 12. The edge 34 of the outer wrapper is in this instance folded onto the top face of the package, and as the wrapper edge is folded into position the extending end of the opening element will be reversely bent as indicated at 50 in Fig. 14. As the opposite wrapper edge 33 is then folded downwardly into position upon the top of the package, the opening element will again be reversely bent as indicated at in Fig. 14. The opening element is made, if desired, of sufficient length so that it projects beyond the package edgeasindicated at 52. It is to be noted that in this form of structure, not only are the slits 3| and 32 provided in the wrapper edge 33, but the wrapper edge 34 is also provided with slits 53 and 54 adapted to lie on opposite sides of the opening element and facilitate the initial tearing of the wrapper. The overlapped wrapper edges are adhesively sealed together and to the adjacent surfaces of the opening element whereby to provide a moisture proof seamjand the end folds of the package are made and sealed as previously described.

In operation as the end of the opening element is gripped and pulled, the slits 3| and '32 will provide for the initial tearing of the outer wrapper edge 33. The slits 53 and 54 will permit the tearing of the opposite wrapper edge 34 as the reverse fold 5| in the opening tape is straightened out. The slits H and III of the inner wrapper, Fig. 5, then facilitate the initial tearing of the inner wrapper as the opening element is further pulled, both wrappers being opened or severed upon the continued movementh of the opening tape, as described with reference to the previous embodiments of the invention. It will be seen that the structure of Figs. 12, 13 and 14 provides for the =ready opening of a double completely wrapped package wherein the overlapped wrapper edges are in superposed relation, the opening structure while being readily operable in no way interfering with the moisture proof or protection characteristics of the wrappers.

In Fig. 15 a structural embodiment of the invention is illustrated which is the same as that shown in Figs. 12, 13 and 14, except'that the outer wrapperedge 33 is in this instance extended so that it lies upon the side face of the package. The wrapper edge 34 however, lies upon the top face'of the package, as in Figs. 12,

scribed in connection with Fig. 1, is brought into 13 and 14. In -this form of structure, therefore, the overlapped wrapper edges lie upon two package faces, and due to the greater margin of overlap additional protection is provided. In this instance the opening element is of sufficient length so that its end projects beyond the lower edge of the package as indicated at 51. The form of structure shown in Fig. 15, wherein a greater margin of overlap is provided between the wrapper edges extending to two adjacent package faces, may in some instances be desired.

In Figs. 16, 17, 18, and 19 an embodiment is illustrated wherein the principles of the invenx distinguished from the' sequential application of the wrappers as previously described. In this instance, the inner wrapper II with the opening element l0 secured thereto, as previously desuperimposed relation with the outer wrapper",

30. inner wrapper and the slits 3| and 32 in the edge The slits n and la in the edge 16 of they" 33 of the outer wrapper are in aligned relation on opposite sides of the opening element. I In, the?" formation of the package, the lower edges |4,.'-and 34 are folded simultaneously or as a unit around the lower and side faces of the article H), as ill'ustrated in Fig. 17. However, the edge 34 of the outer wrapper is maintained in an upwardly projecting position, while the edge M of the inner wrapper is folded over into engagement'with the top face of the article. I After the lower edge l4 of the inner wrapper has been folded into position, the upper inner wrapper edge I6 is folded downwardly 'onto the top of the article, the overlapped wrapper edges being adhesively secured together as previously a described. As the edge l6 of the inner wrapperjf is folded downwardly onto the top of the article,

the projecting portion of the openingv element strikes the upstanding edge 34 of the outer wrapa per, causing the end of the opening element to become upwardly bent, as indicated at. in Fig. 17. As the edge u of the' outer wrapper is then folded downwardly onto the top face of the article, as shown in Fig. 18, the projecting end of the I opening element will be reversely bent as previously described with reference to the bend ill in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 14. The upper edge 33 of the outer wrapper is then folded into position upon the top face of the article as shown in Fig. 19, causing the projecting end I! of the opening element to again be reversely .bent, as described with reference to the reverse bend SI of Fig. 14.

The overlapped edges of the outer -wrapper are adhesively sealed, as previously described, and the Projecting end I 5 of the opening tape may be of such length that it projects beyond the edge of the package. The end folds of the package may be made by folding the two wrapper thicknesses together into the four end fold sections, but in the interest of greater protection and fluid tightness it is preferred to fold and adhesively secure the end sections of the inner wrapper and thereafter fold and adhesively secure the end sections of the outer wrapper whereby to provide two completely sealed and independent ends for the package.

It will be seen that the resulting package 'produced by the foregoing method is the same; as that illustrated in Figs. 13 and 14, having superposed overlapped wrapper edges on the same face of the package. The operation of the opening element is the same as previously described, and to facilitate the tearing of the edge 34 of the outer wrapper, it is to be noted that the slits 53 and 54 are provided. The structural embodiment illustrated in Figs. 16, 17, 18, and 19 thus provides for the simultaneous application of the plural wrappers to the article while retaining the principles of the invention.

In the simultaneous application of the wrappers to the article, the type of package produced will be determined by the original placement or superposed positioning of the inner and outer wrappers relative to each other and to the article. Thus in Fig. 20, an arrangement is illustrated wherein the two wrappers II and 30 are longitudinally displaced a greater amount thanin Fig. 16, and the placement of the wrappers with respect to the article is such that, when the wrappers are folded around the article in the manner previously described with reference to Figs. 16 to 19, inc1., the overlapped edges of the inner wrapper will lie upon the upper face of the article, whereas the overlapped edges of the outer wrapper will lie upon the side face of the article, producing a package such as shown in Fig. 9.

It is to be noted that, as illustrated, the opening element is preferably arranged adjacent one end of the package so that the ends of the wrappers may be severed by manipulation of the opening element as described, while leaving the main body oi the article still enclosed within the remaining wrapper portions.

It is obvious that various changes may be made in the specific embodiments and the various method steps heretofore set forth without departing from the spirit of the invention. Ac-

cordingly. the invention is not to be limited to thespecific embodiments and method steps described, but only as indicated in the following claims.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows: 1. A package for articles comprising an inner wrapper arranged about the inner wrapper, each of said wrappers having overlapping adhesively secured end folds and overlapping adhesively secured side edges whereby each of the wrappers is adapted to form a complete enclosure for the article, and an opening element. extending substantially once around the package, the opening element comprising a strip which is interposed 'between overlapping adhesively secured side edges of both wrappers, the outer edge of the inner wrapper being notched on each side of said opening strip and closely adjacent the side margins of said strip, and at least one edge of the outer'wrapper being notched on each side of said opening strip and closely adjacent the side margins of said strip, whereby as the opening strip is pulled both wrappers will be torn along the line .determined by said strip.

2. A package for articles comprising an inner wrapper arranged about an article and an outer wrapper arranged about the inner wrapper, each of said wrappers having overlapping adhesively secured end folds and overlapping adhesively secured side edges whereby each of the wrappers is adapted to form a complete enclosure for the article, and an opening element extending substantially once around the package, the opening element comprising a strip which is interposed between overlapp adhesively secured side edges of both wrappers, the outer edge of the inner wrapper having weakened portions on each side of said opening strip intersecting the said edge and closely adjacent the side margins of said strip, and at least one edge of the outer wrapper having weakened portions on each side of said opening strip and closely adjacent the side margins of said strip whereby as the opening strip is pulled both wrappers will be torn along the line determined by said strip.

A package for articles comprising an inner wrapper arranged about an article and an outer wrapper arranged about the inner wrapper, each of said wrappers having overlapping adhesively secured end folds and overlapping adhesively secured side edges whereby each of the wrappers is adapted to form a complete enclosure for the article, and an opening element extending substantially once around the package, the opening element comprising a strip which is interposed between overlapping adhesively secured side edges of both wrappers, the outer edge of the inner wrapper being notched on each side of said opening strip and closely adjacent the side margins of said strip, and the outer edge of the outer wrapper being notched on each side of said opening strip and closely adjacent the side margins of said strip whereby as the opening strip is pulled both wrappers will be torn along the line determined by said strip.

4. A package for articles comprising an inner wrapper arranged about an article and an outer wrapper arranged about the inner wrapper, each adapted to form a complete enclosure for the article, and an opening element extending substantially once around the package, the opening element comprising a strip which is interposed between overlapping adhesively secured side edges of both wrappers, the outer edge of the inner wrapper being notched on each side of said opening strip and closely adjacent the side margins of said strip, and both edges of the outer wrapper wrapper arranged about an article and. an outer being notched on each side of said opening strip ing an inner wrapper arranged about an article and an outer wrapper arranged about the inner wrapper, each of said wrappers having overlapping adhesively secured end folds and overlapping adhesively secured side edges whereby each of the wrappers is adapted to' form a complete enclosure for the article, andan opening element extending substantially once around the package, the opening element comprising a strip which is interposed between overlapping adhesively secured side edges of both wrappers, the

outer edge of the inner wrapper being notched on each side of said opening strip and closely adjacent the side margins of said strip, and the outer edge of the outer wrapper being notched on each side of said opening strip and closely adjacent the side margins of said strip whereby as the opening strip is pulled both wrappers will be torn along the line determined by said strip, the overlapping side edges of the outer wrapper and the overlappingside edges of the inner wrapper being d18- posed on angularly offset side faces of said package.

6. A package for multi-sided articles comprising an'inner wrapper arranged about an article and an outer wrapper arranged about the inner wrapper, each of said wrappers having overlapping adhesively secured end folds and overlapping adhesively' secured side edges whereby each of the wrappers is adapted to form a complete enclosure for the article, and an opening element extending substantially once around the package, the opening element comprising a strip which is interposed between overlapping adhesively secured side edges of both wrappers, the outer edge of the inner wrapper being notched on each side of said opening strip and closely adjacent the side margins of said strip, and both edges of the outer wrapper being notched on each side of said opening strip and closely adJacent the side margins of said strip whereby as the opening strip is pulled both wrappers will be torn along the line determined by said strip, the overlapping side edges of said outer wrapper being disposed on the same side of said package and in superposed relationship.

CLARENCE J. MALI-HOT. 

